While Charlie was engrossed in refining his swordsmanship to reach a higher realm, he was unaware that he had become the hottest topic of conversation in Orario.
Now, the name Charlie Avalon carried a certain weight without even needing to mention Hera Familia.
It should be noted that whenever an adventurer levels up, the Guild posts this information on the bulletin board for the public to see.
Today, the Guild announced the level-ups of two adventurers.
If they were merely Low-Class Adventurers, the impact would be minimal. People would offer brief comments or shrug indifferently. But the information released by the Guild today concerned High-Class Adventurers.
Prominently displayed on the main board were two striking announcements:
[Sword Princess of Loki Familia, Ais Wallenstein, has advanced to Level 6!]
[Hera Familia's Charlie Avalon has advanced to Level 5!]
People were unsurprised by Ais's situation. After all, her reputation was well-established in Orario. Everyone believed it was only a matter of time before the Sword Princess reached Level 6.
What was truly unexpected was Charlie. Setting aside his affiliation with the once-famed Hera Familia, his name had only recently gained traction due to his altercation with Ishtar Familia in the Pleasure District.
In other words, Charlie was a relatively unknown adventurer until recently.
What baffled many was how a High-Class Adventurer, a Level 5, could lack an alias.
Curious adventurers flooded the Guild with questions, and the response they received defied the logic of any adventurer.
"Charlie Avalon became an adventurer less than three months ago after receiving Falna from Goddess Hera outside Orario. The reason he doesn't yet have an alias is the brevity of his career. At the upcoming Denatus, he will receive one."
That was the Guild's official statement.
Naturally, this sparked a range of extreme reactions—from deep disbelief and doubt to astonishment and near-mad admiration.
Denying the truth was understandable. After all, Charlie's record-breaking leveling speed was unprecedented in Orario's history, even surpassing the supposedly impossible record set by Bell Cranel in the original timeline.
It was utterly incomprehensible!
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
News of Charlie Avalon's level-up spread like wildfire, sending Orario into a frenzy.
In taverns, streets, and even Babel Tower, Charlie's name dominated conversations. Adventurers gathered, exchanging news with expressions ranging from disbelief to shock.
"Level 5 in three months? What kind of nonsense is that?! The Guild must've made a data error!" a scrawny adventurer in tattered armor shouted, slamming the table in a tavern. His glass rattled violently.
"You think the Guild could mess up data on a High-Class Adventurer? No way!" an older adventurer shook his head. "But I'll admit, this is insane. Even the Sword Princess took years to reach Level 5."
"I heard he's from Hera Familia… Maybe Goddess Hera gave him some special ability?" a dwarf whispered from a corner of the bar, his eyes full of doubt. "A cheating Falna, perhaps?"
"Cheating or not, he's now Level 5. That means he's on par with the executives of Loki Familia and Freya Familia!" another voice chimed in, sounding fearful. "Could he be a new force that'll shake them up? This makes me uneasy…"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
On a bustling street, two elves walked, whispering to each other.
"I heard he was also behind the ruckus in the Pleasure District." the younger elf said. "That kind of power in such a short time… it's dangerous. It reminds me of those 'heroes' from the past who caused chaos."
"He's not a hero, he's a cheater." said a young adventurer with a face still scarred from the Dungeon. "We're down there risking our lives just to scrape together a bit of Excelia, and him? Level 5 in three months! I can't accept that."
Envy was clear in his eyes.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Does he know some secret about the Dungeon? Or maybe he has a way to kill monsters easily?" a female adventurer asked, her voice full of speculation, her eyes gleaming. "If we could learn his secret…"
"It's not about secrets." an old man with a large sword strapped to his back said heavily. "I saw his aura outside the Guild yesterday. It's calm, but there's a terrifying power behind it. He's no ordinary person. I'm worried he'll change Orario's dynamics."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"How can an adventurer level up that fast?" a newly appointed Guild receptionist asked her senior colleague. "Is that really possible?"
"Possible or not, we just record it." the senior receptionist replied with a tired expression. "But I'll admit, I'm scared too. Growth that rapid often brings disaster."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Will he become a new threat to Orario? Or perhaps a new hope?" whispered an adventurer near the Dungeon's entrance, his voice low. "Power that grows so quickly… it's a double-edged sword."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"He might have talent, but talent without struggle only breeds arrogance." another adventurer near the Dungeon entrance whispered, his voice dripping with jealousy. "Just wait, he'll fall, and I'll be there to see it."
"Wait, wasn't he the one seen walking with the Sword Princess yesterday?" an adventurer across the street suddenly interjected, eyes wide. "I saw them holding hands in Amour Square!"
This new rumor instantly sparked a wave of shock and even greater jealousy, shifting the tone of the conversations from mere skepticism to deep anger and resentment.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Unlike the adventurers, who displayed skepticism, jealousy, or even fear—especially since Charlie had surpassed their own progress—the gods welcomed the news with glee.
Many of them, bored with Orario's stagnant pace of life, now took a keen interest in Charlie Avalon.
Amid their laughter and chatter, Charlie's name became the main topic.
"Ha-ha! Incredible! That kid from Hera Familia truly exceeded expectations. I never imagined a human could grow so powerful so quickly! This will make Orario far more interesting!" a certain god laughed heartily while sipping his sake.
Another god responded with a genuine smile, "A talented child. I pray he doesn't stray down the wrong path. His rapid growth shows immense potential, and it could bring new hope to the lower world."
"Excessive talent like that only attracts trouble." Another god remarked, touching his teacup. Yet, a glint of curiosity flickered in his eyes. "But I'll admit, seeing someone level up that fast makes my heart race. He'll definitely be the center of attention."